Above is a photo from the very first glassybaby holiday in the old Green Lake studio in 2003. Lee and Debra had been east of the mountains spending Thanksgiving in Mazama and brought back small trees to decorate. They built this winter-wonderland-of-a-set with reindeer and glassybaby as snow. What a joy that first holiday was in the gb studio which had previously been home to a dairy. Such promise and hope... and look at our glassybaby now!

Elves have been sprucing up our stores to spread a bit of holiday cheer. They are keeping the home fires burning. Stop by and see for yourself!

I was perusing the holiday glassybaby sets that are available this time of year, and they are an elegant delight! Just look at this magnificent Hanukkah menorah depicted in 'the miracle of lights' set. It would bring grace, honor and light to any space.

And I just love the holly, jolly 'sleigh bells ring' set.

And the Elvis inspired... I-hul have a-ha 'blue christmas' set:

All of these sets got my cheeky, creative juices going so I decided with a little bit of mischievousness to try my hand at the 'name your own' glassybaby bouquet that can be found on our website. (I had seen one of our customers so creatively do a bouquet of the Muppets and thought why not? That looks like fun!)

Here is my first bouquet name, 'santa-mental' with co-conspirators, in order:

'tangled tree lights'

'family love (no matter what)'

'treetop star'

'lump of coal (you know who you are!)'

'uncle buck's spiked eggnog'

and lastly, the pervasive

'greenbean casserole'

Once I got started, quitting was no option. Set making is sooo addicting.

Next, I came up with the sentimental 'shalom' set. It goes as follows:

'mazel tov'

'latkes like buttah'

'dreidel fun'

'don't get me started'

'verklempt for you'

And ultimately:

'... and now this!!'

I had so much fun making those 'name your own' sets and I hope you will give it a few whirls too.

At this time of joy and peace, it gives me pleasure to think of connecting with our sisters and brothers of the world.

Shalom, peace and love.

Namaste,

Alice

aliceblog@glassybaby.com

November 25, 2011

A pleasing Thanksgiving table was set with glassybaby, and everyone had plenty of turkey with all the trimmings: sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and lots of gravy! And of course, as is tradition, the kids put black olives from the relish tray on all five fingers.

Some family members, as can be clearly observed, overdid a skosh and immediately took their places on the sofa for postprandial forty-winks:

But they came back to life when they heard it was dessert time!

Speaking of eating, did you see the two page spread in "Food & Wine" featuring glassybaby and drinkers? Drinkers are on my "to buy more of" list in time for the holidays. They make any gathering more festive.

'cedric' is especially cheerful, as well as versatile. The gorgeous hue is as at home at a holiday celebration in December as it is at a garden party in August.

There are seven glassybaby road shows on the docket for December including one in Spokane on Thursday the first.

Please join us and shop the glassybaby collection from 5:30 - 8:30pm at Madeleine's Cafe and Patisserie at 707 West Main Avenue, Spokane. We are pleased to tell you that 10% of sales from this jolly event will be donated to Lilac Services for the Blind.

Oh yes, just so you know, 10% of sales at the Bellevue store will be going to Special Olympics the entire month of December! So come on down!

Happy news! Armelle and Sean, our glassblowing couple, welcomed a new baby girl on November 18th. The young lady was named Juniper Anouk. Much happiness and love from your glassybaby 'family'.

November 18, 2011

Will you be going over the river and through the woods this year or will the multitudes gather together at your house? Either way, I hope it is a Thanksgiving to be remembered.

It's a time of tradition and a time of harvest which is the reason I paired 'tradition' with 'harvest' glassybaby, next to one of the old turkey plates I bought in Philadelphia years ago. Now that I think of it, those plates are as much a tradition for us as certain glassybaby are becoming. I love it that we pull the same things out to use year after year, and I love it even more that the family would whole-heartedly object if we didn't.

Above is the glassybaby set 'thankful'. It is a luscious cornucopia of all things bountiful, generous, robust, and toothy that we would hope to find surrounding our Thanksgiving table. The mother-earth colors are 'warm gravy', 'harvest', 'ripe olive', 'dijon', and 'jane's caramel'. Couldn't you just put them on a plate and sop them up with a biscuit? So good! I could even eat them up with a spoon!

A tradition we had when the children were quite small was to ask everyone in the family what they would be thankful to find on the Thanksgiving Day table. More than once we had hot dogs and hot fudge sundaes in addition to turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie. Now, after saying grace, we frequently ask all assembled what they are most thankful for. At the risk of awkward moments, nobody has to answer, but usually there are wonderfully heartfelt and sometimes surprising offerings. We have so much to be thankful for.

'tradition'

At this special time of year, I would like to express my thanks to all our glassybaby friends who support the healing message of glassybaby. It is always amazing to me the light and love these magical little vessels exude whether it's during sickness or health. I am thankful to be a part of of such a bighearted company whose aim is goodwill and giving back.

Until next time,

Alice

aliceblog@glassybaby.com

November 11, 2011

Last week I creakily strolled out of the house and a few days later, came back with a brand-spanking new knee. After much hesitation, I had finally decided to take the plunge and now, I couldn't be more pleased (Physical Therapy notwithstanding!).

Appearing at my hospital bedside were exquisite flowers arranged in a 'bff' glassybaby sent by my dear glassybaby family. And next to that was a lit from within 'heart' brought by my Ernie... glassybaby therapy at its finest! Things couldn't be much better. I feel so grateful. And just in time for Thanksgiving!

Someone else who is feeling lots of gratitude right now is Ridge of the Madrona store. His favorite gb color is 'jane's caramel' so for his birthday Sherry, the mother of Alexus, from our UV store, baked him a 'jane's caramel' birthday cake. (Remember the luscious haunted house cake created by Sherry for Halloween? Well this talented master of sublime confections is at it again.)

Ridge surrounded the cake with his diverse collection of 'jane's caramel' (so many variations!)and celebrated. But not alone, mind you! It seems that not only do Ridge and Alexus share the same birth date, but they were born on the exact same day, at the same hospital, only hours apart!! Sounds like the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Many thanks to all of you for sharing this heartwarming and scrumptious tale.

And speaking of birthdays: Did you know that when bone marrow transplant patients receive their new marrow it is considered another birthday... a second chance at life?

Jennifer writes that her son, North, received his transplant here at Fred Hutch on November 13, 1996, from an unrelated donor whom they call "our angel from Chicago". More complications ensued and three years after the transplant North was given two years to live. It is with great joy that I tell you that this year he will celebrate his 15th bone marrow transplant birthday!

North celebrated by sending his bone marrow donor a purple glassybaby to express his thanks and gratitude.

Inside the package they tucked the story of glassybaby.

Jennifer writes, "My heart is warmed and it brings tears... the journey has been so long... and we have been so blessed."

Thank you, Jennifer and North. We at glassybaby wish you all the best. Happy BMT Birthday, North and may you have many, many more.

Where in the world is glassybaby this week?

We have two exciting Road Shows:

glassybaby in Yakima, Wednesday, November 16, Gilbert Cellars, 5 North Front Street. 10% of glassybaby and Gilbert Cellars Wine Bottle sales will be donated to the ALS Therapy Development Institute.

and

glassybaby in Portland, Friday, November 18, Windermere Library, 733 Northwest 20th Ave. 10% from the sale of each glassybaby sold during this holiday event will be donated to the Windermere Foundation.

Lee will be back on her ancestral ground in Richmond, Virginia next week. Store owners of Roan were in Seattle recently and discovered glassybaby and wanted them in their store for the holidays. We are sending 300+ of our babies to be at Roan and, better yet, $8 from the sale of each one there will be donated to help cancer patients with day to day needs at VCU Massey Cancer Center.

As Thanksgiving draws closer and closer, the refrain of an old Irving Berlin song keeps dancing through my brain. Warning: it's infectious!

"Got no check books, got no banks. Still I'd like to express my thanks - I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night! I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night!"

November 04, 2011

For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad.

~Naturalist, Edwin Way Teale~

We were recently at the farmers' market ogling the rich bounty of autumn produce: oodles of every kind of apple and squash, wheelbarrows full of carrots, beets, greens, beans, parsnips and nuts... and then it dawned on me: as we harvest, Mother Nature, just as Mr. Teale understood, is planning ahead. The seed pods are flinging their kernels into the wind preparing for a new beginning in the spring. It is really a reassuring thought... all is right with the world... that life will go on.

Our new glassybaby set 'sowing the field' is a reminder of the generous offerings of the sown seed, whether it is a grain of wheat, or a seed of hope.

As you can see, another view of this gorgeous, almost chameleon set implies diverse possibilities:

FYI, the individual colors are 'courage', 'hide & seek', 'nishino', 'eggplant', and 'greenlake'. Aren't they stunning? This has to be one of my favorite sets, especially at this time of year.

Another pet during this season of gleaning is 'harvest'.

It is a deep, plush, sink-your-teeth-into-it color, which of course makes me think of pumpkin pie. Hooray! (And it also makes me think of hay rides when I was just a girl, and there was a harvest moon! But now I digress!)

Here is to a great week.

I hope your football team is victorious, unless of course you are playing the Huskies!

WOOF!

Until next time, my dear glassybaby friends,

Alice

aliceblog@glassybaby.com

October 28, 2011

Feast your eyes on this frightening, haunted, gingerbread house on a hill. No doubt it terrified even the monster of Frankenstein. (Especially after he laid eyes on the gargantuan glassybaby surrounding it!!)

This bloodcurdling edifice was built and staffed by Sherry, the startlingly creative mom of Alexus of the University Village store. Incredibly well done, don't you think? Thank you Sherry for sharing the thrills and chills.

Have you bought your Halloween candy yet? Note to self, "Always buy trick-or-treat candy you don't especially like. That way there should be a couple of pieces left by Halloween." Then you can just turn out the light and hide in the kitchen. Just don't say you heard it from me!

Those little ghost and goblins (well O.K., maybe more like little Lady Gagas and minuscule Megaminds) will soon be lining up at your door like just so many glassybaby at a fall fashion show. (Aren't they breathtaking?)

We hope it's not a dark and stormy night and we hope all the merry little pranksters have flashlights and/or reflective clothing and are extra careful, but we also hope a good time is had by all!

Don't you just love the way Marissa gave 'pumpkin' and 'curry' a fearsome and menacing but oh so adorable air? She did her artwork by means of a black Sharpie Pen! Comes right off with Windex.

Come down to one of the stores to catch a glimpse of these boo-tiful little vessels.

Next week, we will share with you the terrifyingly tasty haunted gingerbread house made by the talented mom of Alexus (University Village glassybaby gal superstar). If that doesn't get you in the mood for thrills and chills, nothing will.

Lee is fresh from a foray down south to Little Rock, Arkansas where she shot a few segments with PBS luminary P. Allen Smith for his show "P. Allen Smith's Garden Home":

According to my sources, Allen is the real deal! He lives the southern lifestyle with attention to detail and has exquisite, yet not stuffy, taste.

"We say from the garden here. The yard is for chickens," Allen rejoined!

Good to know! Good to know!

glassybaby lit up Allen's magnificent Moss Mountain Farm. Dozens of little shelves were built just for glassybaby in the building he calls the 'Octagon'.

As the sun went down, the Octagon was aglow with the light of glassybaby as it truly became a sanctuary in the garden.

The cameras caught the whole magical setting which will be shared on upcoming episodes of Allen's nationally syndicated show. Stay tuned for show dates, y'all!

Respected gb glassblower Tyler reports that October has been a stellar month for the denizens of our hot shop, i.e., our revered blowers.

With glassybaby friends looking on, Tyler and Ryan ran the Portland Marathon on Sunday the 9th, with times of 3:32.10 and 4:15 respectively. Good on ya dudes!

Many of our glassybaby glassblowing employees were represented in the Pilchuck Glass School Auction, which is known as the largest worldwide glass event of the year. Sean and Armelle had works in the live auction and there were about twenty of our glassblowers in the silent auction including Tyler, Lisa, Morgan, Ashley, Andy, Sasha, Mikey, Dylan, Nick, Carrie and several others. Tyler's piece was featured in the Nordstrom window at Sixth and Pine for the month leading up to the auction.

Other news from the hot shop is the impending arrival of Sean and Armelle's baby next month and word from Rachel, who is in Iceland for a 39 day artist residency!

Fantastic for all of you! We feel so fortunate to have such talented and devoted fellow gb-ers. We are so proud of you and the work you do!

As Halloween closes in (and I certainly hope! you know what you are going to be!), I must tell you a riddle a savvy young friend of mine asked:

Q: Why do demons and ghouls hang out together?

-are you ready?-

A: Because demons are a ghouls best friend! (You silly!!)

That's all for now,

Alice

aliceblog@glassybaby.com

October 14, 2011

Thoughts of our trip to Maine with dear friends linger, as I peruse the many photos we took. Pictured above with someone (ahem!) we brought over for dinner is the new glassybaby drinker color 'alice'!! (I was pleased and humbled when I found out its name but couldn't resist bringing a few to show off!? and of course to give to our friends!)

'alice'

Offering libation out at Pemaquid Point Light was the comely and fetching drinker 'charlotte' who appears to to be lit from within but most assuredly, it is only the reflected light from the glow of those who are about to partake of her offerings. That 'charlotte' was a drinker born, and a drinker she will stay!

Soon 'charlotte' was joined by the fierce yet respectful 'hector' at cliff's edge providing refreshment for a quintette by the sea:

'hector'

Then 'hector' made his way down to the dock to have a toast before doing a little lobstering.

Before I sign off I would like to show you a few pictures to get you in a spooky mood for Halloween. Last week I touted the enormity of the state of Maine's largest pumpkin. This week I bring you some of the gargantuan runners up festooned and elaborately carved, then displayed up and down Main Street in the engaging down east town of Damariscotta:

Be afraid! Be very afraid!

(I don't know about you, but that chef completely creeps me out!)

There are more Halloween chills and thrills upcoming from the world of glassybaby so don't touch that dial.

That's all for now,

Alice

October 07, 2011

Greetings from the wild and wooly spectacular coast of Maine! We have a blustery day that can't decide whether to drizzle or burst into sunny song. Presently it's hands down drizzle... but there are clearly patches of blue trying to eke out some real estate.

One of our favorite fall colors is, of course, 'pumpkin'!

And rightly so, if all the farm stores in Maine have anything to say about it. We were lucky enough yesterday to make the acquaintance of the beefiest pumpkin in six counties. And guess what that big boy weighed! Four hundred pounds you say? Nine hundred? Guess again. This leviathan weighed in at one thousand three hundred and sixty pounds!

One of our dear customers in Seattle sent to her nephew, Colin, a ‘hope’ glassybaby while he was deployed to Iran. Her wish was for its encouraging light to help ease his time there.I am pleased to report that he did return without a scratch and our hope is that all soldiers come home safely like Colin.

A thoughtful lady in California who is suffering from a brain tumor has been planning ahead for her next life journey. During her ordeal a family member gave her a glassybaby which brought her great peace and calm. She is sharing the light as she prepares for her final services by ordering 120 glassybaby… one in each color to give to her friends as they attend her memorial celebration. Such generosity of spirit is being demonstrated by this lady of grace and courage.

Lastly I must tell you of the sweet lady who was in the Bellevue store last week. When she stepped in the door she drew a deeeeeeep breath of relief as she told Cindy of her hectic life. Seems she is taking a class and the first day the leader asked each person to talk about themselves and what makes them happy. The lady said she is so busy with with work , family, children and grandchildren… which of course make her happy… her great happiness comes when she walks into a glassybaby store and can relax, put all her duties aside, and just play and light glassybaby to her heart’s desire. She went home with ‘faith’ and ‘believe’ and yes she looked very happy indeed.

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."

George Eliot

(Oh really? Easy girl. Now, let's not get carried away.)

Our glassybaby friend Sarah recently wrote us about an early fall trip to New York that she, her sister and two friends enjoyed. Upon checking into their hotel room, they were delighted to discover that it had a beautiful terrace displaying the charms of lower Manhattan. The ladies decided that it was the perfect spot to relax and even have cocktails and dinner. But it was missing an essential ingredient: glassybaby.

Even though all four of the lovely ladies have nice collections at home, no one had thought to bring any glassybaby on the trip. The next day Sarah, Mary, Ashly, and Leslye were down at the Hudson Street shop lighting and plucking glassybaby from the shelves. They picked out a few to ship home but chose one apiece to take back to their fabulous outdoor spot.

They placed 'hudson', sheer creem', 'dragon', and 'arthur' on the ledge and sat back to watch them do their magic in the warm glow of the evening sky.

Nicely done ladies!

Thank you for sharing with us.

If you missed the article in The New York Times on Thursday Sept. 29, about Lee's story and the glassybaby mission of giving in New York City, you can read it online:

We are so grateful for all the New Yorkers that show us their glassybaby love everyday. Our store may not get a lot of foot traffic but we have so many new friends since we opened in the big city. They order glassybaby and use them to take a few moments out of their busy lives. Thank you for finding us online and at our Hudson Street store.

Also I do want to mention that glassybaby is going on the road again. This time to the Bellingham Yacht Club.

Come up (or down!) to see the collection this Sunday October 2nd. 10% of all glassybaby sales goes to the Whatcom Hospice House.

I hope you enjoy your week. Thank you so much for reading here.

(And remember: It's not too early to begin thinking about what you are going to be for Halloween!)